"We heard Japan has a 'Fast Track' for trademarks. Can we use it to get our registration sooner?"
Japan did have a trademark Fast Track examination — but it has been suspended since the end of fiscal 2022, with no restart date announced. In this article, Japanese Patent Attorney Toru Kano of BrandAgent explains how Fast Track worked, how it differs from accelerated examination (which is still available), and what overseas applicants can do today to avoid delays.
Key points of this article
- Fast Track: an automatic, free scheme that shortened the wait for the first examination result. Suspended since fiscal 2022.
- Madrid designations were never eligible for Fast Track.
- Today's option: accelerated examination — about 2–3 months instead of about 9–12 months to registration.
- Biggest time-saver: describe goods and services in the JPO's standard wording.
What was Fast Track examination?
Fast Track was an examination practice the Japan Patent Office (JPO) trialled from 2020. Eligible applications received the first examination result about a few months earlier than ordinary applications. There was no request and no fee: the JPO picked out qualifying applications automatically.
An application qualified only if:
- at filing, all goods and services were described using standard wording — terms listed in the JPO's Examination Guidelines for Similar Goods and Services, the Trademark Act Enforcement Regulations, or the Nice Classification; and
- the goods and services were not amended before examination began.
Excluded were non-traditional marks (sound, colour, motion and similar), regional collective marks, certain shop-design 3D marks, and international registrations designating Japan under the Madrid Protocol. Even a small difference from the standard wording — one missing word or a different character — took an application out of Fast Track.
Is Fast Track available now?
Current status
- The JPO suspended Fast Track at the end of fiscal 2022 because ordinary examination times had come down.
- No restart date has been announced. The JPO says it will give advance notice on its website if it resumes.
The idea behind Fast Track — use standard wording for goods and services — is still the best way to keep examination smooth.
Fast Track vs. accelerated examination
| Fast Track | Accelerated examination | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Suspended | Available |
| Request | Automatic | Request with an explanation of circumstances |
| Official fee | None | None |
| Key condition | Standard wording, no amendment | The mark is already used (or about to be used) and certain conditions are met |
| Typical time to registration | — | About 2–3 months (normal: about 9–12 months) |
Accelerated examination generally requires that you already use the mark (or are preparing to) for the designated goods or services in Japan, and you must submit evidence such as product photos or web pages. It is the realistic choice when a launch date or a marketplace deadline (for example, Amazon Brand Registry) is close.
How foreign applicants can avoid delays today
Practical tips
- Use standard Japanese wording for goods and services. Literal translations from Chinese or English lists often trigger an Office Action for unclear descriptions.
- Search before filing so that a similar earlier mark does not cost you months.
- Get the applicant details right: name and address in the original language and in English, matching your business licence.
- Use accelerated examination when you already sell or are about to sell in Japan.
FAQ
- Q. When will Fast Track restart?
A. The JPO has not announced a date. It says it will give notice in advance on its website. - Q. How long does a Japanese trademark take now?
A. Usually about 9–12 months from filing to registration; about 2–3 months with accelerated examination, if no Office Action is issued. - Q. Is there an official fee for accelerated examination?
A. No official fee. You submit an explanation of circumstances with supporting evidence. - Q. Could a Madrid designation of Japan use Fast Track?
A. No. International registrations designating Japan were excluded from Fast Track.
Summary
Key points
- Fast Track was automatic and free, but has been suspended since fiscal 2022.
- Madrid designations were never eligible.
- For speed today, use accelerated examination (about 2–3 months).
- Standard wording for goods and services still saves the most time.
Related articles
- Accelerated Trademark Examination in Japan: Requirements, Evidence, Pros and Cons
- How Long Does Trademark Registration Take in Japan? Timeline from Filing to Registration (2026)
- How to Register a Trademark in Japan: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Applicants [2026]
- How Much Does a Japanese Trademark Cost? Fees for Foreign Applicants (2026)
Planning to protect your brand in Japan?
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BrandAgent Patent Office (Kyoto, Japan)
Toru Kano, Japanese Patent Attorney